Nokia and Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH have signed a contract for the supply of Hutchison's 3G network in Austria. Under the agreement, Nokia will supply its 3G core-network equipment (circuit and packet switched), as well as operations and support service (OSS) for the core network and implementation and maintenance services.
In addition to network equipment, Nokia will provide its Network Deployment Package, which covers implementation and project management and the Nokia KeyCareTM Package to maintain the competitiveness of the network.
Hutchison 3G Austria is a new entrant to the Austria mobile communications market, and one of six operators to win a license in Austria's 3G license auction.
"We are extremely pleased that Hutchison 3G Austria has selected Nokia as a strategic partner to deploy the most innovative 3G network on the market," says Ian McCaig, Vice President, Nokia Networks. "The 3G core network solution included in this deal will help Hutchison 3G Austria to be a front runner on the road to All-IP networks and true multimedia services."
"Austria is an extremely competitive telecommunications market today, and we are eager to bring to it the most attractive - and reliable -- 3G service possible," says Berthold Thoma, Chief Technical Officer, Hutchison 3G Austria. "This is why the choice of the core-network supplier is crucial to our business plan."
Nokia is the industry leader in the global rollout of 3G systems, having been selected as a 3G supplier by 31 operators in Asia, the US and Europe. Nokia's 3G solution is based on standard platforms and open interfaces, which are crucial to the rapid deployment of 3G services. 3G will provide a powerful boost to network capacity for both voice services and combined voice and multimedia services. The Nokia 3G mobile network represents the future of mobile communication by employing technologies based on Internet protocol (IP) and introducing wireless access to multimedia services.
Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison-Whampoa Limited (HWL), with headquarters in Hong Kong. HWL is the Hutchison Whampoa group's holding company. With roots going back to the 19th century, it is a multinational corporation whose business activities are extremely diversified. The company is part of the Li Ka-shing group, together representing 15% of the market capitalization of the Hong Kong stock exchange. HWL's consolidated annual sales (including subsidiary companies) topped US$ 10 billion in 2000; consolidated net profit was US$ 4.4 billion. With around 100,000 employees throughout the globe, the company's investment and operating activities in five core business fields extend across 34 countries.
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.
Further information:
Communications Department, Nokia Networks
Tel. + 358 (0) 7180 38195
E-mail nokia.networks@nokia.com
www.nokia.com
Hutchison 3G Austria GmbH
Oliver Kenn
Head of Communications
Tel.: +43 1 740 47 1089
E-Mail: oliver.kenn@h3g.at